Recent content by Nationalpatriot

Completely forgot this thread was open, just tested the array again few weeks ago, after about 10 minutes trying to figure out why "Doc" couldn't hear me very well 6 miles away, I realized I was on W-E not N-s, I adjusted my switches, keyed up and gained about 5db. I've got some fiddling to do...

Update: I know this thread is a bit old but just letting you know the whole setup is working great, I hooked up a switch to make it end fire and broadfire, as well as hooked up a switch to switch from the cophase to dipole antennas for better RXing. I am talking to people about 10 miles away...

Well now it seems I did, haha sorry about that guys. RADIATION PATTERNS

I recently got a call from a buddy out in Mason Michigan who getting rid of his old shortwave tower (actual antenna was destroyed sadly, I'm getting my ham ticket soon and really could have used it!) that was at the house that his family lives at currently. He showed it to me and it seems to be...

Got 'er done! works fantastically. Took me a little while to get everything together but not too bad. ^ the antenna at full. it's a little bit hard to see the other mast but it is up there I assure you Incase anyone wanted to know how I connected the coax to the mast. I drill a hole...

Thanks everyone for your help, I just (finally) got the EMT pipe cut to length, sanded down, insulated and holes drilled for the connection of the center conductor of the coax. (I managed to snap 3 drill bits too, maybe I was a bit too hasty trying to get them drilled.) In the picture below you...

Hmm 3 feet is all it would take? I might be able to get that with the saw horses I'm using as bases, I think the stand area would be big enough for support. I AM wanting the figure 8 pattern but eventually might add the 2 other antennas

Ahh very good information, thanks Rick! That shows me a lot of what I needed to know. I have to visit my girlfriend's new baby niece this evening but I'll start first thing when I get home and post some pictures of the construction process. Anyone have any sophisticated ideas to test the range...

alrighty boys I picked up the 1/2" EMT on the way home and found some 75ohm rg-6 to use. Can ya'll give me some instructions? -what length exactly should the harness be -what height should the poles be (my primary channel is 20) -Do I absolutely need a T from the harness to the line to the...

I'm in a wide open space, but have county restrictions on antenna height (don't ask me why, maybe crop dusters?) the antenna I have now really doesn't work badly, I just want to experiment. (and I do have a radioshack nearby that supplies me with coax happily, it's just my wallet that can't...

I am at work right now and cannot search google, any reputable places to research verticals? (I have searched literally hundreds of websites, I think I've filled my mind with too much information and no filing system)

Right now just because I have extra coax, what would 2 pieces of 1/2" emt about 10' long cost right about now? (doubt I could get it in 9 foot pieces haha) (also how would I use it if I could fine some cheap EMT? just drill a small hole and solder the radials into the hole?)

Alright, so it seems my CAD program is off of my Apple, but hey, here is yet another Paintbrush design. Key: Purple: support lines (just to help keep it up in high winds, I know it's short, but hey Green: is the center of the coax red: is the radials ( I know there are not 20 in each...

Alright sounds good, I have some insulated wire that should do the job just fine, solid core and plenty of length. What I plan on doing is getting a small Project box from Radio shack (with rubber weatherproof seal) and feeding the radials ends into that, onto each radial ending I will put a...

Yeah I plan on getting my HAM ticket once I get out of college, as of right now I'm in for another 3 years for a law enforcement degree, a radio license wouldn't be too bad for my resume on top of that. As for the radials, what would be a good material to use (yeah I know copper wire, but...